A cultural icon, Jane Birkin captured the hearts of many through her exceptional talents and distinct style. Her collaborations with the French singer Serge Gainsbourg not only redefined music but also left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape. Songs like “Je t’aime… moi non plus” became anthems of an era, showcasing her evocative voice and unique artistic expression.
She is also known for her great contributions to the world of film and fashion. She graced the silver screen in both British and French cinema and is famously the inspiration behind the ‘Birkin Bag’ by fashion house Hermes. Her beauty, grace and charisma made her a symbol of artistic liberation and creativity.
Many of the obituaries of Jane Birkin cover all of this information, remembering Birkin for her artistic achievements. While her accomplishments in the artistic world were both incredible and undeniable, her humanitarian work was also significant. As a singer, she used her talent to bring light and hope to those who needed it most.
“Je Suis Pas d’Accord”
In the new millennium, following her rise to stardom, Jane Birkin shifted her focus to philanthropy. For example, she worked closely with Amnesty International, an organization devoted to global human rights. During the organization’s 40th anniversary celebration in 2001, which coincided with their commitment to eradicating torture, Birkin boldly tackled the uncomfortable subject. Taking to the screen once more, this time in a television interview, she addressed the issue.
Empathizing with her audience, she acknowledged that there are moments when one can feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the problem and question the impact one individual can have. However, she asserted that this is a misconception; even the smallest act of publicly condemning practices like torture, simply stating, “Je ne suis pas d’accord” (I disagree), can wield significant influence, demonstrating an unwavering faith in collective strength and the power of advocacy.
Aung San Suu Kyi
One way in which Jane Birkin demonstrated her commitment to human rights and philanthropy was by doing what she did best: music. She released a song with Amnesty International titled “Aung San Suu Kyi,” named after the Burmese political leader. The song was to shed light on Aung San Suu Kyi’s plight for democratic freedom, inspired by this woman who spent 15 years under house arrest. Birkin’s dedication to advocating for justice and freedom didn’t go unnoticed, and it led to her being denied a visa by the Chinese government ahead of an organized concert.
Despite facing obstacles, her relentless efforts in raising awareness about human rights violations and her collaboration with both Amnesty International and the International Human Rights Federation showcased her deep compassion and unwavering commitment to making the world a more just and equitable place.
Her Songs Touched Our Hearts
In addition to her advocacy endeavors, Jane Birkin displayed a strong desire to contribute more directly. Following the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti in 2010, she joined forces with the nonprofit organization International Movement ATD Fourth World. This organization had a dedicated team on the ground in Haiti, providing assistance to families in vulnerable situations. In April of the same year, Jane Birkin embarked on a journey to Haiti, accompanied by members from the ATD Fourth World Volunteer Corps.
During her time in Haiti, Birkin engaged directly with people impacted by the earthquake. She connected with Haitian children and patients in hospitals, lending her voice to songs of hope. Through her musical talent, she managed to inspire optimism in a place where it had been scarce. The climax of her visit came in the form of a concert, where she shared the stage with local Haitian musicians. This performance is etched in the minds and hearts of attendees, many of whom still vividly recall the emotions they felt on that day. A member of the ATD Volunteer Corps, Jacqueline Plaisir, said that “her songs touched our hearts.”
Jane Birkin’s involvement extended beyond the spotlight; she actively participated in the day-to-day activities of the volunteers in Haiti. This included accompanying them on visits to families in need and ensuring that essential resources reached even the most isolated corners of the affected region.
“It May Even Be Selfish”
Upon her return from Haiti, a conference organized by ATD Fourth World was held to discuss the reconstruction of the affected areas. Birkin shared her own experiences in the country with those present, including her motivations: “It was a reward for all these years of being something that resembles a singer.”
When asked about the possibility of retiring, she resolutely declared her commitment to continue. She considered her humanitarian endeavors not as difficult tasks, but rather as experiences that consistently filled her with a sense of amazement. Even amid the direst of circumstances, she found solace in the kindness of those tirelessly striving to help and enact positive change. She even went as far as to say that her work “may even be selfish,” as she felt invigorated after her visits.
Legacy
Setting aside her artistic accomplishments, Jane Birkin’s life was a tapestry of remarkable experiences. Her dedication to humanitarian causes yielded lasting memories for those who were present. This article merely scratches the surface of Birkin’s humanitarian contributions. She also embarked on journeys to destinations like Israel, Palestine and Rwanda and collaborated with organizations during the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Birkin’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those she touched, such as the Haitian musician Jean-Francois Gay, who aptly expressed this sentiment by saying that in his homeland “we like to say that those who do good never die.”
– Danielle Chorley
Photo: Flickr
How Innovation Africa Is Combating Africa’s Water Crisis
More than 600 million people in Africa live without access to electricity, and with no electricity, there is often no clean water. Innovation Africa is a nonprofit organization that brings clean water to rural Africa.
Innovation Africa is an Israeli company that Sivan Yaari founded in 2008. Since then it has been bringing solar energy to rural villages all across Africa. The problem that these rural villages face is the access to the technology that would allow them to use the sun’s energy. Innovation Africa is solving this problem by installing solar panels in these villages. The energy provided by Innovation Africa helps pump clean water and bring electricity to villages that were previously without it.
Helping the Local Community
When a rural African village has no access to energy, it means that they are unable to pump clean water into the village. Not having a clean water pump means that villagers have to find other ways of obtaining safe drinking water. Methods include walking miles to the nearest water source and building surface dams or catching rainwater, both of which are very unreliable. A clean water pump, however, is a reliable source of clean water.
When a village has access to energy, it begins to thrive. Not only does health improve with access to clean water, but the overall well-being of the village improves. Women and young girls are relieved of having to walk miles each day in search of water. This allows them more time to pursue other opportunities and allows young girls the time they need to attend school. With a reliable clean water source, a community will also begin to become more economically stable, which allows for brick-making and agricultural projects to increase.
Innovation Africa enlists the help of local villagers to drill wells and install solar panels. Each project hires 10 locals who are paid and trained. Once a well has been drilled and the project has been completed, these locals are given a certificate that allows them to assist in future projects and gives them other career opportunities. A village that was once struggling can now become economically independent with the help of Innovation Africa.
How it Works
The process of installing solar energy and water pumps involves eight steps and ensures that a community has a reliable source of clean water. The first step of the process is drilling the well. Innovation Africa drills up to 820 feet in order to reach the aquifer. Next, a water tower of roughly 30 feet is built. The water tower houses the pump and the water tank. Solar panels are installed on top of the tower, and a solar pump is installed inside. The solar panels harness the sun’s energy and power the water pump.
A water tank is then put on the top of the tower and holds up to 10,000 liters of clean water. The contractors dig trenches that expand in a 4-8 kilometer radius and bring the water to 10-15 taps placed around the village. Next, technology that monitors the water is installed. This Israeli technology can track how much water has been pumped, as well as any malfunctions that may occur. Finally, the locals can enjoy clean and fresh water right from their village.
Innovation Africa has started and completed more than 900 projects in Senegal, Cameroon, DRC, Zambia, South Africa, Eswatini, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda and Ethiopia, helping more than 4 million people get access to clean water. Innovation Africa plans to continue providing rural villages with a clean and reliable water source. The organization is able to complete its work through donations on its website, where 100% of the proceeds go toward bringing clean water to rural Africa.
– Jack Wells
Photo: Flickr
Hip-Hop Music Is Helping Youth in Senegal Fight Poverty
As suggested by projections, social and economic could intensify following the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, frequent natural disasters and the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, which have severely disrupted food supply chains. This, coupled with a high food inflation rate of 15% as of 2022, is pushing families deeper into poverty.
But Senegalese youth are fighting the system through the power of music — and hip-hop in particular.
Music and Poverty
The hip-hop scene has long been a vibrant and lively part of Senegalese culture. Originally, hip-hop was adopted by the upper and middle classes who had traveled to places like the U.S. and Europe, giving Senegalese hip-hop its distinct hybrid blend of local tradition and international influences.
In the early 1980s, the suburbs of the prosperous Senegalese city Dakar expanded, allowing people from poor, rural areas to move to the city, where they could flee severe drought and forge new lives for themselves. Immigration to Dakar brought with it new material culture from all over the world, and this included clothing, music and dance trends.
After the 1980s, social disparities in Senegal increased following decades of harsh government austerity measures that had left the government unable to provide robust health and social services. Gaining influence from the beats of South Bronx, hip-hop the poor used hip-hop to protest issues such as poverty, unemployment, crime and political corruption.
Discontent with the political system came to a head in 2011, and the Y’en a Marre movement (which translates to “I’m fed up”) was formed by rappers and journalists to persuade Senegalese youth to protest the Conservative government led by President Wade, who, according to them, had been acting undemocratically during his time in power.
Hip-hop has been especially important for connecting geographically dispersed communities, with 70% of those 18 and older living in rural areas where poverty rates are often much higher.
In such areas, the vulnerability rate of Senegalese families, which is the probability of a household falling into poverty following a shock such as a natural disaster or a disruption to supply chains, is a staggering 80%.
Girls and Hip-Hop
While Senegalese hip-hop has largely been associated with popular male artists and bands such as King & Cool, Positive Black Soul and Supreme Black, who are accredited for leading the movement, Senegalese girls are determined to show that they can rap too.
Sisters Create is a project in urban Dakar that was founded by Plan International, and it aims to unite girls from poor neighborhoods and give them the opportunity to protest the social issues they face. Not only do they rap about the problems of Senegalese politics, but they are keen to shed light on their shared experiences of menstruation, gender inequality and sexual assault.
The Genji Hip Hop group has about 70 members who express themselves through music and art, and it has organized many events and workshops for women to speak up against the system. This has been important as women in Senegal are the main victims of gender-based violence (GBV) and are economically disadvantaged compared to their male counterparts. U.N. Women reported that 33.3% of employed women were living below the international poverty line compared to 26.7% of men.
The Beat Goes On
Currently, Senegalese artists are utilizing hip-hop music to promote peacebuilding ahead of the 2024 elections. They stress the significance of human security and urge the government to prioritize reducing poverty, ensuring civil rights and enhancing food security.
The case of Senegalese hip-hop demonstrates that through the power of music, present-day youths are successfully using their voices to stand up for their rights, pushing their governments to do what is necessary.
– Tatum Richards
Photo: Flickr
5 Ways the Global Citizen Festival Is Changing the World
Global Citizen is an advocacy organization focused on ending global poverty and addressing critical issues worldwide. Hugh Evans and Simon Moss founded Global Citizen in 2008 to mobilize leaders and engage the public. Since its start, the organization has taken off and been incredibly successful. One way Global Citizen raises awareness is by hosting an annual festival. The festival aims to raise awareness about global issues like inequality, poverty, education and changing weather patterns. The event inspires people to make a difference and advocate for change. The Global Citizen Festival is changing the world in five important ways.
5 Ways the Global Citizen Festival is Changing the World
Looking Ahead
The Global Citizen Festival is changing the world. The event shows how decisive collective action can be and how advocacy can come from anyone. Since its start, the festival has inspired millions of people to make a change and fight extreme poverty. Through the use of celebrities and musicians, the festival can educate and empower individuals. It inspires leaders and organizations to commit to preserving the world’s future.
– Madison Rogers
Photo: Flickr
Neglected Tropical Diseases in Pakistan
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) disproportionately impact vulnerable populations in some regions of Asia, Africa and Latin America. These conditions, such as intestinal worms, schistosomiasis and dengue fever, are preventable and treatable. They are common in areas with poor sanitation and limited or no access to clean water and health care. NTDs in Pakistan keep communities trapped in poverty and illness. Furthermore, NTDs harm physical and cognitive development, reduce school attendance and economic productivity and overwhelm underfunded health systems.
Pakistan faces significant health and economic challenges due to several NTDs that are considered high-burden. However, it has been effective in community engagement, prevention education, as well as diagnosis and treatment to control NTDs in outbreak areas. Assessing the impact of these targeted initiatives can inform comprehensive national strategies to alleviate the burden of NTDs and improve health equity across Pakistan.
Community-Based Efforts Against Intestinal Worm Infections
Intestinal parasitic infections disproportionately impact children in underdeveloped countries. About 12% of illnesses that intestinal parasites cause in children aged 5 to 14 years occur in underdeveloped nations. In 2019, the First Lady of Pakistan, Samina Alvi, launched a school-based deworming program in coordination with the health and education ministries to treat intestinal worm infections in children. A national survey revealed alarming infection rates, with approximately 17 million school-age children across Pakistan requiring deworming, including around 574,000 in Islamabad. The Islamabad Deworming Initiative aims to treat 547,000 children aged 5–14 in Islamabad to overcome intestinal infections. It successfully treated more than 200,000 children in 2019 and planned to reach 574,000 in the next round.
Targeted Snail Control to Combat Schistosomiasis
Schistosomiasis is a chronic parasitic disease causing great morbidity and mortality, with more than 220 million people infected globally as of 2021, predominantly in sub-Saharan Africa. Schistosomiasis is a rare disease in Pakistan, but the risk factors of dams, irrigation, increased travel and proximity to endemic countries could lead to endemicity. At least one snail species that could potentially host the parasite is present locally. Though control efforts focus on eliminating snail populations and contamination sources, a case acquired from travel to an endemic country highlights the need for prompt treatment and health education to prevent the spread in Pakistan. Reducing schistosomiasis risks through these measures is important to alleviate poverty and improve health for vulnerable communities lacking access to clean water and health care.
Fighting Dengue Fever in Pakistan
Dengue is endemic in Pakistan with seasonal peaks, but the country has experienced a significant surge in cases in 2022 following severe flooding. From January to September 2022, more than 25,000 confirmed dengue cases and 62 deaths occurred nationally, with the majority of cases in September. Sindh and Punjab provinces have been the most affected. Pakistan’s health ministry and the Global Fund are conducting vector surveillance, control activities and enhancing clinical management capacity. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides additional coordination, training, diagnostic tests and other support. Priorities like piped water and waste management infrastructure remain vital to control dengue transmission long-term and reduce impacts on vulnerable urban populations. However, the current flood-driven outbreak highlights the need for ongoing readiness to mount coordinated responses that curb massive case surges.
Integrated NTD Programs with Broad Coverage
NTDs disproportionately impact vulnerable populations in developing countries like Pakistan, trapping affected communities in cycles of disease and poverty. NTDs impair childhood development, reduce school attendance, hinder economic productivity and overwhelm under-resourced health systems. Comprehensive multi-disease control initiatives with national reach are necessary to alleviate the overall NTD burden. Sustained political commitment and domestic and global funding focused on evidence-based interventions could help reduce the transmission and prevalence of neglected tropical diseases in Pakistan.
Given appropriate investments and strategies, controlling multiple neglected tropical diseases in Pakistan could improve health security and economic outcomes among its poorest and most marginalized citizens. Fighting NTDs is an important component of equitable development and poverty reduction in affected countries.
– Asia Jamil
Photo: Flickr
5 Facts About Health Initiatives in Guatemala
With a population of more than 17.9 million people, Guatemala is the “most populous country in Central America.” Although it boasts a high birth rate, Guatemala suffers from various health issues, such as malnutrition and stunting, HIV and child and maternal mortality. According to the Organization for the Development of the Indigenous Maya (ODIM) Guatemala, Guatemala holds “one of the highest rates of malnutrition in the world,” with almost half of all Guatemalan children under age 5 suffering from chronic malnutrition. The following five facts about health initiatives in Guatemala detail the positive efforts being made to provide support and resources to those in need.
5 Health Initiatives in Guatemala
Looking Ahead
These five facts about health initiatives in Guatemala show the positive efforts being made to reduce the barrier between accessibility to health care services and those in need. As malnutrition and mortality rates rise considerably amongst indigenous people in Guatemala, it is imperative that additional resources break the inequities and boost positive growth.
With additional resources, funds and support allocated by NGOs and community programs, Guatemala can begin to shed its label of holding the “highest rate of stunting in the Western Hemisphere.” It is imperative that Guatemala’s most vulnerable communities receive the necessary support that can lift them out of poverty and provide them with sustainable and healthy lifestyles.
– Kristina Gaffney
Photo: Flickr
Leveraging the Blue Economy in Tanzania To Alleviate Poverty
The “blue economy” refers to the management of our oceans, blue resources and sectors. The blue economy seeks to promote well-being and social equity, helping to alleviate poverty by promoting and regulating the sector in a sustainable manner. Leveraging the blue economy in Tanzania will increase food security and employment — particularly for the youth and women, helping contribute to economic growth in a sustainable manner and improving the livelihoods of the people who live in the country. With the blue economy contributing to 60% of the gross domestic product in Zanzibar, Tanzania’s capital, alone employing 33% of Zanzibar’s population, it shows the importance of developing the blue economy for Tanzanians and the government.
Blue Economy Increases Employment Opportunities
One of the main ways leveraging the blue economy in Tanzania alleviates poverty is by tackling the country’s unemployment rates through job creation in the blue economy. As of 2022, unemployment rates were at 2.76% with youth unemployment rates at 4.26%.
Therefore, in 2023, the African Development Bank Group (ADB) launched a $54 million initiative backed by the Government of Tanzania to drive job creation for youth in Zanzibar’s blue economy. The ADB set up a “Skills Development for Youth Employability in blue economy Project,” to help young Tanzanians find well-paying jobs in the blue economy. These are around the ocean and ocean-based activities include tourism, the maritime economy and the oil and gas industries. The most important industry targeted is the tourist sector as according to ADB it “contributes more than 29% of Zanzibar’s gross domestic product and employs about 33% of its workforce.”
This project aims to help 43,000 young Tanzanians, 40% of them being females and prepare 1,500 of them to become entrepreneurs and start their businesses improving their livelihoods and subsequently creating a positive feedback loop to “spur the creation of new jobs,” according to ADB.
Blue Economy Helps Local Communities
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 2023 has collaborated with the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries to develop a strategic plan to implement the blue economy in Zanzibar. To improve the livelihoods of coastal communities by growing economies thereby “creating jobs, improving food security, and reducing poverty, inequality and gender disparities.”
The upcoming initiatives will focus on sustainable habitat management, ecotourism and marine spatial planning, and through collaborative efforts with the UNDP, “Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, Development Partners, Civil Society Organizations and the private sector,” it is hoped that the initiative will support Tanzania’s most marginalized members of society along with women and children to build a more resilient future. Sustainable habitat management will play a multi-purpose role in areas like marine protected areas and areas of coral reef restoration by helping support biodiversity and providing opportunities for eco-tourism which can generate income for local communities, creating a sustainable approach to prosperity.
Leveraging the blue economy in Tanzania to alleviate poverty is important as it helps locals increase their income due to higher paying jobs promoted by the blue economy allowing them to help their families break out of cyclical poverty and create intergenerational wealth. Furthermore, it also creates a stronger and more resilient economy, which will help benefit people and sectors that aren’t a part of the blue economy, improving livelihoods for all.
– Kishan Patel
Photo: Flickr
Tackling Period Poverty Among Adolescents in Laos
It is a lack of standardized, thorough and timely menstrual health education, as well as a lack of menstruation-accommodating restrooms in Lao schools that perpetuate period poverty and further propagate social stigmas surrounding menstruation among Lao adolescents.
The Core Problems
PLOS One Journal study, “Menstrual Health and Factors Associated with School Absence Among Secondary School Girls in Luang Prabang Province, Lao People’s Democratic Republic: A Cross-Sectional Study,” surveyed 1,366 high school girls across six schools in the Luang Prabang Province in Northern Laos regarding their experiences with menstruation. The results showed a desperate need for earlier, more comprehensive menstrual health education for Lao girls, as well as improved restroom infrastructure for menstruating students. The Lao public education system does include a brief menstrual education course for ninth-grade girls.
However, the education system not only provides limited and highly oversimplified information but also often delivers it too late. About 28% of the girls participating in this study reported that they had absolutely no knowledge about menstruation before their first period. This lack of knowledge often leaves girls feeling confused and fearful about this normal bodily function, and girls who never learned proper menstrual hygiene feel as though they must miss school and other daily activities.
Many Lao girls have also become accustomed to associating menstruation with a form of shame or punishment, with 68% of girls in this study believing that menstruation was the body’s way of getting rid of a woman’s “bad blood,” and 65% of these girls reporting feelings of embarrassment regarding their menstrual cycle.
Aside from inadequate menstrual health education, improper restroom infrastructure and resources often leave menstruating Lao students feeling uncomfortable or unable to engage in proper menstrual hygiene in school facilities. Four out of the six schools that this study examined did not have restrooms for separate genders, leaving many menstruating students to feel embarrassed about their cycles and disposal of menstrual products around students who do not menstruate.
Additionally, the restrooms in four out of six schools were not equipped with waste bins in their bathroom stalls that allowed students to properly dispose of used menstrual products. This lack of waste bins further contributes to the humiliation that menstruating students feel when they have to dispose of their menstrual products publicly and often leads to fear of using school restrooms entirely. An astounding 78% of girls surveyed said that they avoid changing their menstrual products at school, with 65% avoiding school bathrooms entirely.
Confronting the Issues: Solutions from the Lao Government and Plan International
Over the past several years, the Lao government has begun to directly confront period poverty among Laos’ adolescents, looking to improve students’ access to menstrual health education and proper facilities. In 2021, Laos’ Ministry of Education and Sports announced its Education and Sports Sector Development Plan which will provide “comprehensive sexuality education” to students of all education levels, including primary school.
This agenda will ensure that Lao girls receive information about their changing bodies before their first period, alleviating some of the feelings of helplessness and anxiety once menstruation begins. Aside from strengthening national menstrual health education, in 2019 the Lao government enacted the Decision on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Standards for Early Childhood Education and General Education, which, over time, will construct gender-segregated restrooms in all Lao schools equipped with proper and private disposal bins for menstrual waste.
While there is still significant progress to be made with this initiative, with the help of UNICEF Laos has integrated menstrual health indicators into the country’s education management information system, allowing for the project’s progress to be strictly monitored.
Outside of government intervention, humanitarian organization Plan International has partnered with sustainable period brand Modibodi to provide the women of rural northern Laos with thorough menstrual health education, as well as a sustainable solution to menstrual hygiene. Throughout 2022, Plan International and Modibodi delivered their menstrual health education program to 4,450 Lao women and adolescents. Additionally, Modibodi donated 22,000 pairs of its reusable period underwear to these women, which not only lessens the continuous burden of affording sanitary pads or tampons but also makes menstrual hygiene much simpler, particularly for students.
A Continuous Effort
The efforts to alleviate period poverty among adolescents in Laos are fairly nascent, meaning the country can make much more progress. The Lao government has taken positive steps by introducing comprehensive sex education at all education levels, improving restroom facilities in schools and showing a commitment to addressing this issue at a systemic level. Furthermore, the collaboration between Plan International and Modibodi has strengthened menstrual health education for the women of northern Laos and has provided sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions. These efforts must be sustained to ensure that no Lao students miss out on their education due to feelings of embarrassment or inadequate menstrual hygiene resources.
– Reagan McDaniel
Photo: Flickr
USAID Programs in Venezuela
Food Insecurity
When the Venezuelan economy faced a hyperinflation crisis in 2017, food insecurity reached an all-time high. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s response was insufficient in combating the issue of national debt and decreasing oil revenue. In fact, as of 2020, at least 95% of Venezuelans lived below the poverty line. Venezuelans living in poverty are unable to purchase food and water, due to hyperinflated prices. Additionally, the Venezuelan government has not released any data on national food availability for more than a decade, deterring public programs and policies that could alleviate inaccessibility to food and water.
In 2021, USAID and the U.N. World Food Program (WFP) partnered to establish operations in Venezuela, providing emergency food assistance to different groups. In April 2023, the operations added a program providing hot meals to public school children and staff and people with disabilities in three districts. In the same month, USAID also provided more than 450,000 Venezuelans with food assistance. USAID also funds nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to provide cooked meals and school meals. These USAID programs in Venezuela aim to reach more than 750,000 Venezuelans, as well as more than one million people in other Latin American countries.
Health Care
Over the past decade, Venezuela’s public health infrastructure has collapsed, with few health care providers, hospitals and medical supplies left. Even with outbreaks of infectious diseases like malaria, tuberculosis and diphtheria, health care is often limited to a select few with life-threatening illnesses. Both infant and maternal mortality rates have doubled from 2012 to 2016. Moreover, the Venezuelan government has also not released any data on national health statistics since 2016, which weakened the ability to address health care needs.
In 2022, USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) and the State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM) announced in funding for Venezuelan developmental assistance. The funding was used to create a number of health care programs that would train community health workers, rebuild the infrastructure of community health systems and create emergency shelters. USAID/BHA and State/PRM also partnered with 30 organizations to implement USAID programs in Venezuela for mental health and psychosocial support, as well as victims of gender-based violence (GBV).
Migrant Support
More than 7 million Venezuelans have become refugees and migrants, due to political turmoil and economic depression. Venezuelan refugees and migrants have settled in Latin American countries like Colombia, Peru and Ecuador, which has affected the range of support those nations are able to provide. USAID’s Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean is providing almost $31 million to facilitate the integration of Venezuelan migrants into host countries, and an additional $56 million for both Venezuela and host countries to create health care and protection services. In previous years, USAID also provided more than $90 million in funding to the VenEsperanza Emergency Response Consortium, an emergency response program providing humanitarian aid to Venezuelan migrants and host communities in Colombia.
USAID Programs in Venezuela
USAID has been instrumental in addressing Venezuela’s crisis through extensive aid efforts in food assistance, health care and support for migrants. With more than $450 million allocated since 2018, USAID’s programs have provided crucial relief to millions in dire need. The initiatives include emergency food assistance, health care infrastructure rebuilding and support for victims of gender-based violence (GBV). As the Venezuelan population grapples with hyperinflation and political instability, USAID’s ongoing commitment and partnerships stand as a beacon of hope for a brighter future.
– Enne Kim
Photo: Flickr
Gender Wage Gap in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Historical Factors
Many historians point to the Bosnian War of 1992-1995, part of the wider breakup of Yugoslavia in that period, as a catalyst for the gender wage gap in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The hyper-masculine wartime rhetoric is seen to have entrenched a number of damaging gender beliefs and stereotypes.
The Impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic had a substantially worse effect on women’s pay than it did on men’s pay, as determined in a number of different studies. The U.N. BiH Common Country Analysis for 2022 revealed that the increase in unpaid domestic and care work as a result of the pandemic disproportionately affected women, with 50% reporting an increase in domestic work (as opposed to 35% of men) and 28% reporting an increase in childcare work (as opposed to 23% of men). In addition, the UNDP Report Economic Impact Assessment of COVID-19 in BiH found that the pandemic particularly affected female-dominated sectors such as wholesale and retail trade, education and human health and social work.
‘Equal Pay for Equal Work’ Versus ‘Equal Pay for Work of Equal Value’
‘Equal pay for equal work’, according to Article 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), prohibits men from earning more than women in the same jobs. Although this is positive, it does not address the reality that women are not able to access high-paying jobs as easily as men. For example, discrepancies in male versus female education, as well as gender stereotyping, lead to occupational and sectoral segregation, with women in BiH generally leaning toward the fields of health and social care, education and social sciences and men leaning more toward the fields of information and communication technologies, engineering, production and construction.
‘Equal pay for work of equal value’ is a concept that seeks to redress some of these imbalances, and 40% of all countries have put legislation in place to this effect. The principle of ‘equal pay for work of equal value’ is reflected in Article 77 of the Labour Law of FBiH, with ‘work of equal value’ defined as work that ‘requires the same level of professional qualifications, same capacity for work, responsibility, physical and intellectual work, skills, working conditions and work outputs.’ As stated by the UNDP, however, this law ‘lacks a clear definition of equal pay, which should encompass not only wages but also all other forms of cash and nonmonetary compensation, and does not prescribe fines for the violation of this provision.’ No such law is present in the Labour Law of RS.
The Persisting Challenge
Unfortunately, there remain several reasons why even the presence of ‘equal pay for work of equal value’ does not translate to closing the gender wage gap in Bosnia and Herzegovina. For example, culturally assigned gender roles, such as the expectation for women to undertake childcare responsibilities, lead to lower participation in the labor market among women in comparison to men. Also, gender-based discrimination, although legislated against in both FBiH and RS, is difficult to properly regulate.
Looking Forward
Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) has implemented various legislative measures to address the gender wage gap. These measures are evident in laws such as the Law on Work in BiH Institutions, the Labour Law of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) and the Labour Law of Republika Srpska (RS). These laws provide protective provisions for pregnant women and mothers, including provisions related to maternity leave and breaks for breastfeeding during working hours.
Efforts are also being made towards achieving pay transparency in the country, aligning with broader EU initiatives. However, the formal integration of pay transparency measures into the legislative framework is still pending.
Several charitable organizations and nongovernmental groups in BiH are actively working to shift the cultural discourse on gender issues. For instance, the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation offers legal and psychological support to survivors of sexual assault and gender-based violence (GBV), while also educating men about women’s rights. Women for Women International, an organization established during the war to aid survivors of torture and rape, continues to advocate for women’s rights. Its affiliated organization, the Žene za Žene International Association of Sarajevo (ŽzŽ), empowers women to pursue roles in politics and other leadership positions.
These efforts reflect ongoing work in BiH to promote gender equality and address issues related to women’s rights and gender-based discrimination.
– Amelia Stout
Photo: Flickr
Music Has No Borders: A Tribute to Jane Birkin
She is also known for her great contributions to the world of film and fashion. She graced the silver screen in both British and French cinema and is famously the inspiration behind the ‘Birkin Bag’ by fashion house Hermes. Her beauty, grace and charisma made her a symbol of artistic liberation and creativity.
Many of the obituaries of Jane Birkin cover all of this information, remembering Birkin for her artistic achievements. While her accomplishments in the artistic world were both incredible and undeniable, her humanitarian work was also significant. As a singer, she used her talent to bring light and hope to those who needed it most.
“Je Suis Pas d’Accord”
In the new millennium, following her rise to stardom, Jane Birkin shifted her focus to philanthropy. For example, she worked closely with Amnesty International, an organization devoted to global human rights. During the organization’s 40th anniversary celebration in 2001, which coincided with their commitment to eradicating torture, Birkin boldly tackled the uncomfortable subject. Taking to the screen once more, this time in a television interview, she addressed the issue.
Empathizing with her audience, she acknowledged that there are moments when one can feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the problem and question the impact one individual can have. However, she asserted that this is a misconception; even the smallest act of publicly condemning practices like torture, simply stating, “Je ne suis pas d’accord” (I disagree), can wield significant influence, demonstrating an unwavering faith in collective strength and the power of advocacy.
Aung San Suu Kyi
One way in which Jane Birkin demonstrated her commitment to human rights and philanthropy was by doing what she did best: music. She released a song with Amnesty International titled “Aung San Suu Kyi,” named after the Burmese political leader. The song was to shed light on Aung San Suu Kyi’s plight for democratic freedom, inspired by this woman who spent 15 years under house arrest. Birkin’s dedication to advocating for justice and freedom didn’t go unnoticed, and it led to her being denied a visa by the Chinese government ahead of an organized concert.
Despite facing obstacles, her relentless efforts in raising awareness about human rights violations and her collaboration with both Amnesty International and the International Human Rights Federation showcased her deep compassion and unwavering commitment to making the world a more just and equitable place.
Her Songs Touched Our Hearts
In addition to her advocacy endeavors, Jane Birkin displayed a strong desire to contribute more directly. Following the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti in 2010, she joined forces with the nonprofit organization International Movement ATD Fourth World. This organization had a dedicated team on the ground in Haiti, providing assistance to families in vulnerable situations. In April of the same year, Jane Birkin embarked on a journey to Haiti, accompanied by members from the ATD Fourth World Volunteer Corps.
During her time in Haiti, Birkin engaged directly with people impacted by the earthquake. She connected with Haitian children and patients in hospitals, lending her voice to songs of hope. Through her musical talent, she managed to inspire optimism in a place where it had been scarce. The climax of her visit came in the form of a concert, where she shared the stage with local Haitian musicians. This performance is etched in the minds and hearts of attendees, many of whom still vividly recall the emotions they felt on that day. A member of the ATD Volunteer Corps, Jacqueline Plaisir, said that “her songs touched our hearts.”
Jane Birkin’s involvement extended beyond the spotlight; she actively participated in the day-to-day activities of the volunteers in Haiti. This included accompanying them on visits to families in need and ensuring that essential resources reached even the most isolated corners of the affected region.
“It May Even Be Selfish”
Upon her return from Haiti, a conference organized by ATD Fourth World was held to discuss the reconstruction of the affected areas. Birkin shared her own experiences in the country with those present, including her motivations: “It was a reward for all these years of being something that resembles a singer.”
When asked about the possibility of retiring, she resolutely declared her commitment to continue. She considered her humanitarian endeavors not as difficult tasks, but rather as experiences that consistently filled her with a sense of amazement. Even amid the direst of circumstances, she found solace in the kindness of those tirelessly striving to help and enact positive change. She even went as far as to say that her work “may even be selfish,” as she felt invigorated after her visits.
Legacy
Setting aside her artistic accomplishments, Jane Birkin’s life was a tapestry of remarkable experiences. Her dedication to humanitarian causes yielded lasting memories for those who were present. This article merely scratches the surface of Birkin’s humanitarian contributions. She also embarked on journeys to destinations like Israel, Palestine and Rwanda and collaborated with organizations during the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Birkin’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those she touched, such as the Haitian musician Jean-Francois Gay, who aptly expressed this sentiment by saying that in his homeland “we like to say that those who do good never die.”
– Danielle Chorley
Photo: Flickr